Inadequate Fire Safety Measures Linked to Turkey Ski Resort Blaze

At least 76 lives were lost in a catastrophic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort. Survivors report no fire alarms sounding and extensive delays in firefighter response, raising concerns about the hotel's fire protection systems and adherence to safety regulations.

The tragic fire that engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort early Monday has claimed at least 76 lives, marking one of the deadliest hotel disasters in the country's history. As the nation mourns, questions arise about insufficient fire safety measures that allowed this catastrophe to unfold.

The blaze reportedly began around 03:27 local time in the restaurant area on the fourth floor, yet numerous survivors say they detected smoke up to an hour prior. Eyewitness accounts suggest that fire alarms were either non-functional or did not sound at all, and some guests resorted to desperate measures, including jumping from upper floors, due to the overwhelming smoke.

Interior Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy assured the public that the hotel held a valid fire competence certificate issued by the fire department. However, local mayor Tanju Ozcan contested this claim, stating that the last positive inspection report was issued in 2007. The hotel management has not publicly addressed these allegations.

Kazim Beceren, president of the Turkish Fire Protection and Education Foundation, criticized the apparent failure of fire safety systems, which should have detected the fire within seconds and activated alarms throughout the building. Experts pointed out that proper safety protocols could have drastically reduced the death toll.

Additionally, building inspections and safety protocols have come under scrutiny. Erol Percin from the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects expressed concerns that the hotel may not have complied with modern fire safety regulations. Allegations surfaced that the building's wooden exterior lacked adequate fire-resistant materials and that a mandatory sprinkler system was missing.

The rapid spread of the fire exacerbated the tragedy, as experts note proper escape routes and smoke management could have prevented so many fatalities. A significant number of guests were present at the hotel, with 238 reported occupants at the time of the disaster.

As of now, the Turkish authorities have detained nine individuals, including the hotel owner, as investigations into the fire continue. Public outcry is building for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and regular inspections of older structures to mitigate future disasters.